Jamie Donaldson finally won a European Tour event in a career where he has had to battle more than just the world’s best golfers.

Donaldson’s final-round 66 at the Irish Open at Royal Portrush meant he shot sub-70 on all four days and gave him his first Tour win at the 255th time of asking.

And it was made all the more satisfying as he has fought back from a genetic spine problem that ­threatened to end his career.

The former amateur star, who partnered Luke Donald and Paul Casey in 2000’s world team ­championship, has suffered from Pars disease, but careful management of it has helped to fulfil his dream.

“I’m buzzing,” he said. “And I’m so happy to have won on this course. I don’t think we have played a better one on the European Tour.”

Reminded of his long wait – it has contained 32 top 10 finishes – he added: “It’s just been a case of keeping going. I knew what I was doing was right. It feels a bit surreal to be honest. I don’t think it will sink in until later.”

The week also contained his first hole-in-one on the circuit and it began with a 62 at Sunningdale to qualify for The Open at Royal Lytham in just over a fortnight.